Following the deaths of Makyle Bayley, Anthony Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang Wol, University of Essex students, staff and our wider community are invited to share their own tributes on this page.
You can read more about the support available via our Vice-Chancellor's statement.
The families also issued their own tributes through the Essex Police website.
Please post your own tributes in the comments section below. Our comments section is monitored so we will approve your comment as quickly as possible.
Tributes
Rachel Moss
My 11 year old son only continued playing basketball after we moved from Scotland after he watched the D1 men play. He loves nothing more than watching them.
DJ gave him time and showed him love when he needed it most. A little chat and silly selfies meant the world to a little boy that was a little lost. Every home game we attended, DJ spoke to him.
I will be forever thankful for the inspiration that they were and will continue to be to our children. The drive, talent and dedication that they have shown will forever shine through in everyone that has ever watched them play.
Sending all my love to all families, friends team mates and loved ones affected by this tragic loss. ❤️
Rest in peace to four beautiful souls, tragically gone far too soon 💔
Anna Stokes
I am completely devastated by the loss of one of my closest friends from this tragic accident.
TJ was so special to me it is hard to put into words how hard this is hitting. He was loved by all that knew him.
He was a gentle giant that was brilliant, funny, kind, loving and had a gorgeous soul.
TJ has left a 6ft8 hole in my life that will never be filled.
I will forever hold close to my heart our many minutes, hours, days and years together and always wish for many, many more.
I would do anything for another hug from him.
Thinking of his mother & siblings at this time & all those that have suffered loss from this tragedy.
I hope they’re all playing basketball up there 🕊️💔
Sam comment on Anna Stokes
I’m so sorry for your loss x
Emmanuela Aniagolu
I really don't know anyone of you in person but after reading about your stories and with my current situation in this country. Keep resting in peace ✌️ guys. May we have the strength to continue on this journey because it's truly tough and hard.
To your family members and close friends, may God grant you the strength to be healed from this great loss.
Please, University of Essex, please be kind to your students, especially the international students. They are going through a lot more than you can imagine 💔.
Rishi Kora
Let DJ rest in peace💔
Rita Patel
Rest in Peace. Om Shanti Shanti Om. x
Aran Süleyman
Requiescat in pace 😥😥😥
Aran Süleyman
Requiescat in pace, DJ 😥😥😥
Angela
As a mother of a student at UoE, my heart is completely broken. My son is soo deeply saddened by the tragic loss of these beautiful and talented young people. He shares wonderful memories of Makyle who was the first person he met at uni and tells me how kind, gifted and wonderful he was. He also tells me about DJ and the incredible young man he was. I know that Eva & Anthony were remarkable young people too. It is such an immeasurable loss for everyone.
I truly am sending all of my prayers, love & strength to each of their family and friends and pray that God is with you all. My love to you all.
University of Essex
A message from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex , Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst:
I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those students who died so tragically in Colchester on Saturday night. My thoughts are with them and the University at this time.
Kaitlin Campbell
This is so incredibly heartbreaking. I had the absolute honor of being on the dance team with Eva last year and she was so talented as a dancer. She really inspired me to work hard and get better. Not only was she a star on stage, she was so lovely in person, and a joy to be around. Working hard perfecting our choreography and supporting each other when things were tough brought us together as team. I miss you 🕊️.
Professor Alison Rowlands
Rest in peace all four of you amazing young people who have been taken from us far too soon. I didn't know any of you personally but as a member of staff at Essex and Mum of children your age I am devastated for you and your loved ones. I remember seeing Eva perform in the Dance Showcase in previous years and was hugely impressed with her energy and talent. You will all be sorely missed.
Victoria Fontenelle
This is absolutely heart-breaking: my heart, wishes and condolences go out to all those affected by the losses of these four young, talented souls. As a staff member and student at the University, you can feel the heaviness of loss here at our Colchester Campus. May Makyle, TJ, Eva and Daljang all rest peacefully <3
Ryan
I think I watched tj play for the Essex rebels and the other guy they were both amazing players I think I might of got a picture with him I can’t remember. Tj followed my dad on instagram though. Fly high tj and Dalijang wol and Eva and makyle Bailey even though I didn’t know you
Sam
I’m just a member of the public who first began attending Rebels games last season. I saw every one of DJ’s home games & it was impossible to not notice his flair of the court, he loved a dunk! To watch him & D2 earn promotion & complete an undefeated season was something I’ll never forget.
I went up to TJ after a game, introduced myself & asked for a picture - he had prescence, being so tall & stocky, but he was lovely. Over the course of the D1 season I watched the guys climb higher up the leaderboard, spoke to him many times & really came to appreciate his game.
But my favourite memory is when I’d booked the sports hall as a treat to myself. Him & some of the other players were just chilling in reception after a practice, DJ was there too. They clocked me & said “hi” as always, I told them why I was there & TJ said “do you need a rebounder?” I was floored, a professional basketball player offering to hang out with me. I politely declined as I felt he was just being nice, but the fact he even offered, that was special.
Seeing him again this season he always gave me a smile, the last time I saw him he hugged me & said “hi” just such a warm & kind person. DJ too would always say “hi” at the games. I’m afraid I didn’t know the other two people you’ve lost.
But, I do know TJ is making people laugh & lighting the place up with his smile. DJ is slamming those dunks home.
Thank-you lads for your wonderful kindness, I’ll never forget it, I was so looking forward to you being back from injury TJ & playing again.
Wishing nothing but love & support to all their families & friends due to this unimaginable loss, my ‘second home’ will never be the same. We will remember you & carry you in our heart ❤️🖤❤️🖤 up the Rebs!
simran
truly heartbreaking, praying for endless peace and love to all of their families and loved ones, during this difficult time.
~ former essex student <3
simran
genuinely so heartbreaking to hear this, wishing nothing but love and peace to their families
- former essex student <3
Abigail Laver
So sad to hear this has happened. Rest in peice all involved. I love going to watch the basketball games with my family and it's so sad that they are gone. Condolences to family's friends and players. They will always be with the team through every loss and every win. Always on the court in our rebel hearts.
Christie
It was a pleasure meeting Eva a few times in Essex. She was truly full of energy and had so much going for her with her passion for Dance. I hope her family and siblings are coping. Along side the other 3 amazing men who also lost their life. It was a pleasure as watching you guys play the sport you love. This may be the hard time for everyone at university of Essex but we need to remember they all did want they loved the most before they left this world. Thank you for showing us to follow what we are passionate about. Rest in peace.
Abigail
Rip to all involved condolences are with family players and friends. I love going to watch the basketball on weekends and it won't be the same without them. They will be forever in our rebel hearts and always beside the rebel team every game every win every loss they will always be there.
Mahir
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of Makyle, Anthony, Eva, and Daljang. They were part of our university community, and their absence will be deeply felt. Though I may not have known them all personally, I know they had friends, dreams, and moments that made them who they were.
Losing someone so young is never easy, and my heart goes out to their families, friends, and everyone who was close to them. Let’s remember them for the joy, kindness, and impact they brought to those around them.
Rest in peace you won’t be forgotten.
Flynn
rest in peace to all individuals involved🕊️ missing you a lot eva. gonna be tough to live without the person i cherished most in our family. i’m glad you finished off with a great night though. slightly puts me at ease that you were probably singing, dancing & laughing in your last moments, surrounded by your best friends. i’m happy that uni really helped you open up and be yourself. i think it’s what you really needed in life and i’m glad you got to experience it. atleast you’re reunited with our grandma, so please say hi to her for me please. love you endlessly.
Andia
Im so sorry to hear this my condolences to the family
A Former Essex Student 🤍
Ofure
Eva we love you so much❤️. The dance community will forever be broken without u💔. It was such an inspiration and privilege to watch u dance🥹. We will win comps for you my love.
Simone
Rest in peace Eva, Daljang, Anthony and Makyle. We as a community are shocked and heartbroken over your passing. Together we will work hard to remember each of you and keep the impact you had on so many alive. My thoughts and prayers are with our university community and especially with your friends and family. May you all find strength during this devastating time ❤️🖤
Jason
It’s always a shame when such young lives are lost. Hope their families find peace.
Jaz Cortésa
Eva you were one of my first friends on my course, you made uni not seem so scary, you were the sweetest and funniest, im heartbroken we will never have another lab together🤍
Daria C
Where have you gone among the stars?
So far away, yet not so far.
The echoes of your laughter stay,
A guiding light to lead the way.
Angels taken much too soon,
Yet you still shine beneath the moon
In every dawn, in skies so bright
We feel you walking by our side.
In whispered winds, in falling tears
Forever loved, forever here
🕊️💕
I'm so sorry for you guys😔
Mary Armenakian
Eva was and always will be a kind, caring and friendly person to everyone. She always knew how to light up the stage with her dancing and always showed positivity, love and passion through dance. Being apart of Essex blades dance club for 4 years it was a true blessing to have met Eva on my last year of university spending our beautiful times in rehearsals, competitions and always having a laugh. She was dedicated, work so hard and had a beautiful talent. She wasn’t only an amazing dancer, she was a good friend, dedicated vice president and teacher. Eva I miss you and love you, the dance club won’t be the same without you. You inspired me with dance I thank you everyday for your light and love for dance. Dance is what brought me and Eva together and I won’t forget that.
My heart also goes to the boys in the basketball team they truly had a passion and talent for basketball. Sending all my love to their family, friends and loved ones 🪽❤️
T
Tilly
Makyle, Anthony, Eva, and Daljang, our community feels the loss of your precious lives so deeply. My thoughts and sincere condolences are with your families, friends, university staff, and all who knew you. Rest in peace 🤍
A
I didn’t know Eva well but she was such an inspiration to watch dance. She was such a lovely soul, and so amazingly talented. Rest in peace to all those involved, and all my love goes out to the friends and families❤️
Charlie Hibbert
Makyle was the first person I had the pleasure of meeting at the University of Essex. Living next door to him for a year was a privilege, during which a genuine friendship flourished. His passion for basketball was evident, and he displayed tremendous potential in the sport. Makyle had an incredibly kind and selfless nature, always putting others before himself. It was truly an honour to know him and call him a friend.
My thoughts are with his family and all of his friends, who, like me, are reflecting on the many cherished memories shared with him.
Esther Omoyele
rest in peace to all those who lost their lives. praying for their friends and families🕊️🤍
Vivek
Deeply saddened by the tragic accident this past weekend that took the lives of our fellow students Makyle Bayley, Anthony Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang Wol. It is heartbreaking to lose such bright and promising individuals, and my thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating loss.
During this difficult time, may we come together as a university community to support one another, cherish the memories we shared with them, and honor their legacy. Their presence will be greatly missed, but their impact will forever remain in our hearts.
Rest in peace. 🕊️💙 #GoneButNeverForgotten
